Study what effect low or high pitched sounds have on nocturnal insects

Suitable For

Grade 8

Difficulty

3

Time Required

<2 Days

Supervision

Advised

What’s it about?

As much as there is a place for all insects in the bigger scheme of things, some ‘nocturnal’ insects can be really annoying to people during the non-winter months. Night insects like mosquitoes, moths and the like, buzzes your ears constantly, and some nocturnal insects such as gnats are so tiny, they can even travel through screened doors and windows. In this science project, experiment with high and low pitched sounds to see if it has any effect on nocturnal insects:

Topics covered

Nocturnal

What will I need?

FLASHLIGHT

CARDBOARD BOX

ALUMINIUM FOIL

SCISSORS & GLUE

STOP WATCH

TAPE RECORDER & TAPE

ELECTRONIC ORGAN

Procedure (Method)

Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.

How does it work?

Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.

This science experiment works because nocturnal insects are naturally attracted to any source of bright light. When no sound is playing for the first 20 minutes, many insects fly toward the light in the box being reflected off the shiny aluminium paper, and gets trapped inside the box due to the flap that are folded slightly inwards. When the low pitched sound is played for the next 20 minutes, and the high-pitched sound there after, you might find that fewer insects are attracted and caught inside the box.

Electronic pest devices are supposed to repel insects by ultrasonic, high-pitched sound or by subsonic, low-pitched sound. Some use an electromagnetic field. This energy or sound is supposed to drive pests away. Even though such devices do seem to work, it is claimed that they have never been scientifically proven to work.

Like the sound of it?

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This particular science project can be found in any of the following Experiland e-books:

A project introduction and background, complete listing of required materials, step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the project, why it works, learn more section, as well as a science glossary with all the relevant terms make up each of the all-inclusive science project worksheets in our e-books!